SAINTS' winger John Kirkpatrick is up for grabs. The Knowsley Road flier will leave the club when his contract expires in two months' time after four years at St Helens.

SAINTS' winger John Kirkpatrick is up for grabs. The Knowsley Road flier will leave the club when his contract expires in two months' time after four years at St Helens.

It is understood the former Preston Grasshoppers' rugby union player is keen to remain in rugby league despite the inter-est being shown by a number of loom-union clubs.

Meanwhile, Saints confirmed today that Canterbury Bulldogs' centre, Willie Talau, will join them this week on loan until the end of the season, after which he will begin a three-year contract with the club.

Saints coach Ian Millward said: "We've just today received a work permit for Willie and that is through to 2006.

"I think he will arrive here tomorrow and if he is not feeling too bad he might come into contention for a place against Hull on Sunday.

"The reason we've brought him over early is to give us some breathing space with our injury position. We might look to use Willie in a multi-skilled role for the rest of this year but he'll play at centre next year.

"He is a very powerful player and I think the fans will really warm to him. But he hasn't played a lot of first grade football lately, so although he will come to us fresh he might take a little while to get up to speed."

* Huddersfield assistant coach Steve Deakin will join Union Treiziste Catalane at the end of the year.